n. Any substance added to something in order to thicken it; a thickening agent.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. One who or that which thickens; specifically, in calico-printing, a substance used to give to the mordant or the dye such consistency as will prevent it from spreading too much, or to add to the weight of the fabric in the process of dyeing.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. any material used to thicken
Word Usage
"Arrowroot starch is a low-glycemic thickener which is great for the South Beach Diet."